U.S. Shutdown Ends After 41 Days as Senate Approves Bipartisan Deal
After weeks of political deadlock and mounting public frustration, the United States Senate has finally approved a bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The 41-day standoff crippled federal operations, delayed public services, and left hundreds of thousands of federal employees unpaid . The shutdown, sparked by partisan disputes over healthcare tax credits and government funding, has now come to a long-awaited resolution as some Democrats agreed to a compromise deal with Republicans.
The bill passed the Senate with a 60-40 vote, clearing a critical hurdle toward reopening federal agencies. While the House of Representatives remains on recess, officials say the reopening process could extend a few more days. The breakthrough comes after intense negotiations involving a bipartisan group of senators who sought to bridge the widening political divide that had paralyzed Washington for six excruciating weeks.
The shutdown had entered its 41st day—the longest in U.S. history—surpassing the 2019 closure under the Trump administration. During this period, airports faced severe delays, food aid programs ran out of funds, and federal workers went without paychecks. The human and economic toll was growing by the day, adding pressure on lawmakers to act.
Following the vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed deep relief and gratitude. “I am very, very happy to be able to say we are coming to the end,” Thune said, thanking Capitol Police and the unpaid federal staff who continued working through the crisis. “It has been six excruciating weeks, but tonight, we turn the page.”
While Trump did not negotiate the terms directly, insiders say his administration quietly encouraged moderate senators to reach a compromise, particularly as economic indicators began showing strain from the prolonged closure. The White House now plans to work closely with Congress to implement the bill once the House returns from recess.
Republicans, however, refused to include the provision, arguing that the matter should be handled in a separate bill. As negotiations dragged on, government funding lapsed, triggering the shutdown. While Democrats initially held a unified front, cracks began to appear as the economic fallout grew and public pressure mounted.
“This was the option on the table,” Senator Shaheen said. “Republicans refused to negotiate, and we had reached a point where continuing the shutdown would only hurt families and federal workers. The promise of a future vote on healthcare gives us a chance to continue fighting for those priorities.”
Their decision persuaded four additional moderates to cross the aisle, giving Republicans the votes they needed to push the bill through. The Senate’s approval now sets the stage for the House to finalize the measure once it reconvenes.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who faced internal criticism for supporting past compromises, voiced disappointment during a private caucus meeting. “We will not give up the fight,” he said, describing the vote as a reluctant step taken in the nation’s interest but not in alignment with Democratic principles.
Progressive senators were even more vocal in their opposition. Senator Bernie Sanders called the deal “a horrific mistake,” while Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut lamented, “We could have won. Giving up now only strengthens Trump’s hand. We had momentum and the support of voters after our victories last week.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson urged lawmakers to return to Washington immediately, citing travel delays and the urgent need to resume operations. “We must do this as quickly as possible,” Johnson said. The House, which has been out of session since mid-September, will now work to expedite the reopening process once members return.
However, the larger debate over healthcare subsidies remains unresolved. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue in December, with Democrats pushing for a renewed vote to extend health care tax credits beyond the current fiscal year. Whether bipartisan consensus can be reached on that front remains uncertain.
The bill passed the Senate with a 60-40 vote, clearing a critical hurdle toward reopening federal agencies. While the House of Representatives remains on recess, officials say the reopening process could extend a few more days. The breakthrough comes after intense negotiations involving a bipartisan group of senators who sought to bridge the widening political divide that had paralyzed Washington for six excruciating weeks.
The Final Push: A Senate Vote to End the Shutdown
In a decisive move, the Senate approved the bill late Monday night, with five moderate Democrats breaking ranks to join Republicans in supporting the measure. This shift proved crucial in reaching the 60 votes needed for passage. The compromise marks the end of a political stalemate that had tested the limits of both parties and the patience of millions of Americans affected by halted services and unpaid wages.The shutdown had entered its 41st day—the longest in U.S. history—surpassing the 2019 closure under the Trump administration. During this period, airports faced severe delays, food aid programs ran out of funds, and federal workers went without paychecks. The human and economic toll was growing by the day, adding pressure on lawmakers to act.
Following the vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed deep relief and gratitude. “I am very, very happy to be able to say we are coming to the end,” Thune said, thanking Capitol Police and the unpaid federal staff who continued working through the crisis. “It has been six excruciating weeks, but tonight, we turn the page.”
President Trump Signals Support
President Donald Trump, who had previously taken a hard stance on funding negotiations, signaled his support for the bill earlier on Monday, saying, “We’re going to be opening up our country very quickly.” His remarks suggested a growing recognition of the political and economic cost of the shutdown.While Trump did not negotiate the terms directly, insiders say his administration quietly encouraged moderate senators to reach a compromise, particularly as economic indicators began showing strain from the prolonged closure. The White House now plans to work closely with Congress to implement the bill once the House returns from recess.
Why the Government Shut Down
The shutdown originated from a partisan clash over health care tax credits that were set to expire on January 1. Democrats had insisted that Republicans agree to extend these tax credits—a key component of affordable healthcare for millions of Americans—before approving any new government funding.Republicans, however, refused to include the provision, arguing that the matter should be handled in a separate bill. As negotiations dragged on, government funding lapsed, triggering the shutdown. While Democrats initially held a unified front, cracks began to appear as the economic fallout grew and public pressure mounted.
The Turning Point: Bipartisan Senators Break the Deadlock
The impasse finally broke when three former governors—Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine—brokered a middle-ground deal. The trio agreed to support three bipartisan annual spending bills that would reopen the government and fund key federal operations through January.“This was the option on the table,” Senator Shaheen said. “Republicans refused to negotiate, and we had reached a point where continuing the shutdown would only hurt families and federal workers. The promise of a future vote on healthcare gives us a chance to continue fighting for those priorities.”
Their decision persuaded four additional moderates to cross the aisle, giving Republicans the votes they needed to push the bill through. The Senate’s approval now sets the stage for the House to finalize the measure once it reconvenes.
Democrats Divided: A Strategic Compromise or a Costly Mistake?
Despite the breakthrough, not all Democrats are celebrating. Many within the party view the deal as a strategic surrender that undermines their position on healthcare and strengthens Trump’s political narrative ahead of next year’s elections.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who faced internal criticism for supporting past compromises, voiced disappointment during a private caucus meeting. “We will not give up the fight,” he said, describing the vote as a reluctant step taken in the nation’s interest but not in alignment with Democratic principles.
Progressive senators were even more vocal in their opposition. Senator Bernie Sanders called the deal “a horrific mistake,” while Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut lamented, “We could have won. Giving up now only strengthens Trump’s hand. We had momentum and the support of voters after our victories last week.”
The Human Toll: Workers, Delays, and Economic Pain
The prolonged shutdown had tangible consequences across the country. Nearly 800,000 federal employees missed paychecks, and essential services—from airport security to food assistance—faced significant disruptions. Long queues at airports due to TSA staff shortages became a symbol of the growing national frustration.House Speaker Mike Johnson urged lawmakers to return to Washington immediately, citing travel delays and the urgent need to resume operations. “We must do this as quickly as possible,” Johnson said. The House, which has been out of session since mid-September, will now work to expedite the reopening process once members return.
What Happens Next
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass swiftly once lawmakers return from recess. If approved, the government will officially reopen, and back pay for federal workers will begin processing within days.However, the larger debate over healthcare subsidies remains unresolved. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue in December, with Democrats pushing for a renewed vote to extend health care tax credits beyond the current fiscal year. Whether bipartisan consensus can be reached on that front remains uncertain.
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